Ryu Seung-ryong Faces Career Setback in 'Kim Manager Story' as Drama Gains Popularity on Netflix

Ryu Seung-ryong's character, Kim Nak-soo, faces a career setback as he is transferred from the ACT sales team to a factory management position.

In the fourth episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Kim Manager Story,' aired on the 2nd, viewers were moved by Kim Nak-soo's (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) poignant outcry after failing to defend his title as the head of the sales team. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.4% and 4.1% in the metropolitan area. The drama has maintained a 3% viewership rating since its second episode and is gaining popularity on Netflix.

Kim Nak-soo felt an inexplicable sense of unease after receiving a dinner invitation from Executive Director Baek Jung-tae (played by Yoo Seung-mok). With a series of incidents at the company and a recruitment notice for the safety management team leader at the Asan factory, Kim Nak-soo sensed a demotion rather than a promotion. He decided to invite Executive Director Baek to his home for a final attempt at persuasion.

Kim Nak-soo sought help from his wife, Park Ha-jin (played by Myung Se-bin), under the pretext of securing a promotion. Feeling sorry for her husband, who was under pressure, Park Ha-jin mentioned that her brother-in-law had extended a job offer. However, Kim Nak-soo, whose pride was already wounded, ignored Park Ha-jin's concern and drew a firm line. Hurt by Kim Nak-soo's harsh words, Park Ha-jin expressed her disappointment, saying, "This is truly the worst," leading to a crisis in their marriage.

Determined not to give up, Kim Nak-soo proposed to his team members that they personally engage in sales efforts in exchange for high performance ratings. Despite being a manager, Kim Nak-soo's efforts to travel across the country to improve sales were touching to viewers.

While on a sales trip, Kim Nak-soo unexpectedly encountered his former colleague, Heo Tae-hwan (played by Lee Seo-hwan), now working for a rival company. Kim Nak-soo was conflicted about having to compete against a colleague who had been forced out of the company. However, Kim Nak-soo and his sales team managed to secure a new contract, elevating the status of the previously struggling sales team.

In an effort to win over Executive Director Baek and prevent his demotion, Kim Nak-soo, with the help of his family, prepared a home-cooked meal for him. Kim Nak-soo's eyes reflected desperation and determination as he reminisced about the memories shared with Executive Director Baek since their early days at the company.

Despite his efforts, Executive Director Baek had already decided to transfer Kim Nak-soo to the Asan factory management position. Kim Nak-soo's face was filled with indescribable emotions as he pleaded, "I'm still a valuable person," upon hearing that the HR department would soon contact him.

Having devoted himself to the company at the expense of his family, Kim Nak-soo faced the bitter outcome of a demotion. He swallowed his sorrow alone, fearing his family would find out. As his once-reliable company car became a worn-out wreck, viewers are left wondering if Kim Nak-soo can reclaim what was once precious to him.

Meanwhile, Kim Nak-soo's son, Kim Soo-gyeom (played by Cha Kang-yoon), decided to join the startup 'Jealousy is My Power' as the Chief Destruction Officer (CDO) after much contemplation. Seeing his own office and nameplate provided by the company, Kim Soo-gyeom felt a sense of accomplishment. With the ambition to break the company's shell and help employees soar, all eyes are on what Kim Soo-gyeom will achieve at 'Jealousy is My Power.'

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr